RIPON 5

YARNBURY 10

YARNBURY travelled to Mallorie Park searching for their first every victory at that venue.

After four weeks without a game this was always going to be a tricky fixture, especially as Ripon have a habit of dominating the forward exchanges. This proved so and the game was not an outstanding specatacle by any means with errors aplenty but it did not lack commitment.

As the close scoreline suggests it could have gone either way. To their credit Yarnbury remained composed and despite a late Ripon flurry were the deserved victors.

Yarnbury played the first-half with their backs to a stiff breeze and consequently were able to place Ripon under intense pressure.

An early Steve Galbraith penalty gave Yarnbury the start they needed but they were guilty of turning over possession on too many occasions giving away good field positions and ruining promising phases of play.

It was apparent from the outset that Ripon's experienced pack would dominate the scrummage while Yarnbury conversely dominated the line-out.

A towering Garry Owen from full-back Billy Thompson caused havoc in the Ripon defence and evergreen Andy Marshall utilised all his guile to latch onto the loose ball and dribble through to score.

Galbraith converted and again using the elements Yarnbury applied pressure and Lian Rigby, still awaiting his first try, was cruelly adjudged to have knocked on whilst diving in to score.

Simon Briers was hauled down inches short when a simple pass to winger Steve Mather would have led to a try. Frustration began to build as Yarnbury were unable to extend their lead.

Coach Bob Hood made it clear that he was not happy with some of the team decision making and it was obvious that Ripon would use the wind in the second period.

Fortunately Thompson had his best game of the season and for the most part Yarnbury coped well with the high ball. Kevin Hussey replaced Andy Marshall (suspected broken ribs).

Although rusty on the attack Yarnbury's defence was at its best and it had to be as Ripon had several opportunities to score but superb tackling nullified their onslaught.

The Yarnbury scrummage held tight when subjected to four consecutive five yard scrums. Props Phil Sutton and Johnny Stephenson worked valiantly and makeshift No 8 Steve Miller had a sound game.

Yarnbury had a golden opportunity to kill off the game but Hussey's break saw the final pass going to ground. Ripon never gave in and scored a try which resulted in a last frenetic five minutes. Fortunately Yarnbury used their heads to ensure victory and extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

The Horsforth side clearly made hard work of the win and there will have to be an improvement for Saturday's visit to second placed Westoe who will be intent on closing the gap.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.